Better conversations. Better leaders. Better teams.
Great leadership changes lives.
How you listen, give feedback, make decisions, and respond under pressure shapes not only your team's performance, but also their confidence, well-being, and careers. Whether you're leading your first team or your fifteenth, there will be moments when the next step isn't obvious.
That's where I can help.
I've spent 32 years leading teams in Silicon Valley. In that time, I've interviewed thousands of candidates, hired and developed talented people, built and restructured teams, held more than 15,000 one-on-one meetings, navigated 27 reorganizations, and experienced 2 layoffs myself. I've celebrated promotions, managed performance issues, and had more difficult conversations than I can count.
Those experiences taught me to get curious before drawing conclusions, because a small shift in perspective can completely change the options you see.
My coaching helps you challenge assumptions, make better decisions, have better conversations, and build stronger teams.
My Approach
How I work
When you're in the middle of a leadership challenge, it's hard to see the whole picture. You're too close to it.
That's where I can help.
Together, we'll explore what's happening beneath the surface, challenge assumptions, and uncover new perspectives. Then we'll translate those insights into practical actions that fit your leadership style and your team.
You'll leave each session with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and clear next steps you can use to tackle future leadership challenges with confidence.
Who I help
You're looking for a trusted thought partner.
You might be dealing with a struggling employee. A difficult conversation. A team that's not working well together. A reorganization. A decision that's keeping you awake at night. Or simply the nagging feeling that you're capable of more, but can't quite see the path forward.
You don't need someone to hand you the answers.
You need a safe place to think clearly, practical tools you can use immediately, and a trusted partner who understands the realities of leadership.
Why I’m unique
I've had the conversations you're dreading.
Made the decisions you're putting off.
Managed the people keeping you awake at night.
Led teams through uncertainty, change, and growth.
For 32 years, I've led teams through the realities of life in Silicon Valley.
The challenges you bring aren't hypothetical to me. I've lived many of them myself.
That experience has taught me that a shift in perspective is often where breakthroughs begin.
What Clients are Saying
"I’ve recently started working with leadership coach Lesley Kew to help me get out of my own way and unlock my full potential as a leader.
In just 6 weeks we’ve identified some of my bad habits and how I can change to more effectively lead my (very) high-performing team.
I feel lighter having identified what’s been getting in my way. If you need someone to hold a mirror up for you and help you do the same, I highly recommend Lesley!"
Kirsten T, Group Design Leader at Intuit
"I have been surprised more than once that some of your gentlest questions have prompted the biggest insights. I’ve learned that I am more insightful than I give myself credit for. I’ve learned how much stronger I am than I think I am."
A.S., Lead Conversation Architect, Kore.ai
Let’s chat
Schedule a free session to see if I can help.